Crispy Pistachio Chicken with Zucchini Ribbon Salad.

This pistachio crusted chicken is super crisp and juicy with a nutty and rich breading. Serve alongside a zucchini ribbon salad that has lots of fresh lemon and parmesan cheese. It’s a match made in heaven! Welcome to one the most made meals in my kitchen. This crispy, nutty chicken is so buttery and rich, […]

The post Crispy Pistachio Chicken with Zucchini Ribbon Salad. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

This pistachio crusted chicken is super crisp and juicy with a nutty and rich breading. Serve alongside a zucchini ribbon salad that has lots of fresh lemon and parmesan cheese. It’s a match made in heaven!

Welcome to one the most made meals in my kitchen.

pistachio crusted chicken with zucchini ribbon salad

This crispy, nutty chicken is so buttery and rich, so crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s served with a zucchini ribbon salad, marinated in a lovely little vinaigrette with lots of shaved parmesan and is the most perfect complement to the crispy crunchy chicken.

I can’t get enough.

zucchini ribbons

Seriously, this is one of my dream meals. This is one of those meals that I love to have for lunch or dinner – one that is easy for me to make and one that tastes so darn good.

pistachio crusted chicken

See, another one of the meals I make more than anything is my parmesan crusted chicken with lemon arugula. You may recognize it because it’s also one of YOUR favorites. It’s one of the most popular recipes on the blog!

When I say that that is easily one of our favorite meals – something I make constantly, on repeat – again and again, I am not exaggerating. It’s so simple yet so flavorful, with lots of texture and crunch. And at the same time, it feels light and isn’t super heavy if you’re looking for that kind of meal.

Plus it just tastes amazing. 

zucchini ribbon salad

This is similar! Except we’re adding pistachios to our parm. Here we’re doing a pistachio parmesan crust and making a zucchini ribbon salad. These zucchini ribbons remind me of the arugula greens, but also of my shaved asparagus salad from earlier this year.

I have loved the pistachio crusted salmon all year long and knew this side dish would work based on that meal alone. So glad it does.

pistachio crusted chicken

An easy vinaigrette, parmesan cheese, lots of salt and pepper – oooooh. That is what we pour on our zucchini ribbons and they take a little soak before serving. I don’t even understand how these simple ingredients come together to create something so delicious, but they sure do.

The zucchini basically marinates in the dressing and the ribbons are so thinly sliced – they will almost melt in your mouth. Lots of lemon is the key here as it brings so much refreshing flavor and bite. 

zucchini ribbon salad

I also love to use my parmesan vinaigrette here. Adding some freshly grated cheese to the dressing itself gives a rich and decadent flavor, which works so well on the raw zucchini. Of course, you can always add MORE parm to the zucchini ribbons. Are we even friends if you don’t?! 

These tangy, lemony zucchini ribbons are the perfect side to the crunchy chicken. The salad is cool and refreshing and bright; the chicken is warm and crunchy and buttery.  (more…)

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Grilled Chicken Summer Rice Bowls.

We love these grilled chicken rice bowls! The chicken is juicy and flavorful, marinaed in cilantro lime dressing. The bowl is filled with corn, tomatoes, avocado and pickled onions. Super easy and leftovers are great! Nothing beats a good summer bowl. My grilled chicken rice bowls are what I make on Sundays or Mondays when […]

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We love these grilled chicken rice bowls! The chicken is juicy and flavorful, marinaed in cilantro lime dressing. The bowl is filled with corn, tomatoes, avocado and pickled onions. Super easy and leftovers are great!

Nothing beats a good summer bowl.

grilled chicken summer rice bowls

My grilled chicken rice bowls are what I make on Sundays or Mondays when I have NO idea what else to make. Marinated grilled chicken, jasmine rice, cilantro lime vinaigrette, juicy tomatoes, corn, pickled onions and avocado. Leftovers are incredible and the elements come together fast – especially if you have a few minutes to chop everything before.

These are a must-make! 

grilled chicken

I have shared so many incredible vinaigrettes with you guys over the years, but I’m often highlighting my absolute favorite ones. Since the recipes for the dressings often make more than you need, I always want to give you another option. Of course – leftovers are always a win. 

But if I make a vinaigrette at the start of the week, I love having two different meals to use with it. It offers so much variety and really elevates my menu for the week, even if the menu is SIMPLE. 

My goal is to highlight how versatile these vinaigrettes can be – whether they are used as marinade, a drizzle, a dressing or a dip!

cilantro lime dressing

That’s what these chicken bowls are all about!

For this recipe, I marinate the chicken in my cilantro lime marinade. It’s one of my favorites – if not my #1. If cilantro lime is NOT your favorite, I have a few other suggestions that work just as well.

You can marinate the chicken in this basil vinaigrette. This raspberry chipotle vinaigrette is also another option. This classic balsamic is a great one to use, and very picky-palate friendly. And finally, a classic apple cider vinegar can’t be beat. That one reminds me of a “house italian” dressing at restaurants, which, yes – are always slightly different but tend to have the same flavor profile. 

The point is, almost any dressing will work. I even love to marinate my chicken in creamy dressings like ranch or blue cheese.

grilled chicken summer rice bowls

My choice for this bowl is usually the cilantro lime vinaigrette. It’s what I’m using here. I love how vibrantly green it is – it makes everything taste so incredibly fresh. And it looks super pretty too!

grilled chicken summer rice bowls

For the bowl itself, I like to cook jasmine rice. It’s so beautifully fragrant and our family’s favorite rice. Then I go to town with toppings!

My usual go-tos are: 

Tomatoes – cherry or diced or whatever you have on hand.

Avocado – it’s so creamy and adds a satisfying element.

Corn – sometimes grilled or even cut straight from the cob! Sweet and crunchy.

Pickled onions – because they are always in my fridge.

Extra dressing – to make the whole bowl pop. 

grilled chicken summer rice bowls

I LOVE the combination here. The hot, grilled chicken. The citrusy, herby vinaigrette. The jasmine rice which is light and chewy. Creamy avocado, crunchy corn, fresh tomatoes and those pickled onions with a tangy bite.  (more…)

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Blackened Chicken Watermelon Salad.

We love this grilled chicken watermelon salad! Blackened grilled chicken, arugula, watermelon, cucumbers, feta and pistachios drizzled in a watermelon vinaigrette. Super delicious for summer! You know how much I love a good summer salad. This blackened chicken salad has so many of favorite things, plus lots of texture, tons of flavor and everything to […]

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We love this grilled chicken watermelon salad! Blackened grilled chicken, arugula, watermelon, cucumbers, feta and pistachios drizzled in a watermelon vinaigrette. Super delicious for summer!

You know how much I love a good summer salad.

blackened chicken watermelon salad

This blackened chicken salad has so many of favorite things, plus lots of texture, tons of flavor and everything to make a fantastic weeknight meal!

blackened chicken

If you have a copy of Everyday Dinners, then you know that there is a grilled chicken watermelon salad in the book. OH MY WORD. This salad guys… the second I started making grilled chicken and watermelon salads? My summer was made.

I photographed that recipe in 2019 and tested it in 2018… meaning I have lots of chicken and watermelon salads under my belt. The combination is so fabulous. It’s the best summer salad because of the smoky, charred chicken paired with the juicy, refreshing watermelon. There are so many things about it that I love!

watermelon vinaigrette

So this isn’t that exact salad. I know. Which may come as a disappointment since I just raved about it. But you can grab the book!

See, the thing is, that last fall, Eddie grabbed some bagged salads at the grocery store for his work lunches. This was in September, so watermelon season was on its way out. But one of the salads that he grabbed had a watermelon vinaigrette. Like a pre-made, bagged watermelon vinaigrette.

I just about died. WHAT! Why hadn’t I been making watermelon vinaigrette all my life?

So that was that, and ever since I’ve been watermelon vinaigrette.

Had to wait until it was in season to share it with you, but it was worth the wait. I promise.

blackened chicken watermelon salad

P.S. if you’re wondering about the dressing in the book version of this recipe – it’s my chili lime vinaigrette which is equally outstanding. A little heat and lime on this salad is also perfect.

But back to TODAY’s watermelon chicken salad.

I like to do a blackened chicken on the grill because it’s very flavorful and one way I adore eating chicken. I will sometimes double this chicken and grill it, chop it, then store in the fridge for salads, quesadillas and even a quick clean-out-the-fridge pasta.

blackened chicken watermelon salad

Here is what makes this salad unique!

  • Arugula. Crispy, peppery arugula as the base. It may be my favorite green? I love the bite so much. Of course – use whatever lettuce you like here. Kale would be good, you just need to massage it first. Butter lettuce, romance, anything! 
  • The blackened chicken – preferably warm. It doesn’t have to be but have you had warm grilled chicken on a cold, crisp salad? It’s so darn good. 
  • Watermelon! Of course.
  • Cucumbers too! I like the savory, icy, refreshing coolness of the cucumbers in this salad. Also gives a tiny crunch here. 
  • Feta cheese. I like it crumbled. You could also do goat cheese or even cheddar here. However, the feta + watermelon combo is a classic.
  • Pistachios! Live for a super crunch here. Any nut works but the pistachio is so buttery, nutty and it doesn’t hurt with a pretty pop of green.
  • Finally, the watermelon vinaigrette. Um, it’s freaking amazing. 

blackened chicken watermelon salad

This vinaigrette is simple. I highly suggest getting a nutribullet and using it for dressings. It’s what I use it for 95% of the time! 

I throw some watermelon cubes in the nutribullet. Any blender will work. No extra liquid needed because the melon is so water packed. I blend it up, then I strain it through a fine mesh strainer (a tiny one like this) to remove the pulp. 

Once I have the watermelon juice, I measure out about ¼ cup. You can drink the rest! It’s delicious. Also use it in cocktails, omg. 

Then a classic vinaigrette happens here! Some red wine vinegar, a drop of honey, a little garlic, some olive oil. The dressing may have this crazy orange tint to it once it is emulsified. If you’re just whisking the dressing, it may never turn this color completely – but if you use a blender to bring the vinaigrette together, it will. Still tastes the same and is practically drinkable. (more…)

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Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli.

This honey mustard grilled chicken and broccoli is a delicious weeknight meal. The perfect honey dijon marinade plus charred, smoky broccoli makes this super delicious and simple. Grilled honey mustard chicken is sure to become a staple at your house.  Throw this honey mustard chicken on the menu this week because it’s incredibly flavorful, filled […]

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This honey mustard grilled chicken and broccoli is a delicious weeknight meal. The perfect honey dijon marinade plus charred, smoky broccoli makes this super delicious and simple.

Grilled honey mustard chicken is sure to become a staple at your house. 

grilled honey mustard chicken

Throw this honey mustard chicken on the menu this week because it’s incredibly flavorful, filled with charred, smoky flavor from the grill. The broccoli is just as good and together, you can have dinner done in a few minutes. 

Sounds good to me! 

broccoli on a grill pan

Plus, I love a meal that can be made entirely on the grill.

chicken marinating in honey mustard

Honey mustard is my love language. I mean, I’ve talked about my obsession with mustards for years but honey mustard is one of the first sauces/dressings I ever really fell in love with. I’ve adored it since I was a young kid and the feeling has never left. 

I’d eat just about anything slathered in honey mustard. 

P.S. if you need a fab salad, this honey mustard chopped chicken salad is pretty incredible.

grilled broccoli

To make this chicken, I marinate it in my own dijon mustard and honey combo. I also baste it with some honey mustard while on the grill, so it gets all saucy. It’s basically like BBQ sauce, but honey mustard sauce. Which I prefer, thank you very much. 

It’s so freaking good!

grilled honey mustard chicken

I like to sprinkle the chicken with a handful of fresh chopped chives for some brightness and refreshing flavor. After that, I can basically slice this and eat it as it. Super juicy, tender and the perfect contrast of savory and sweet.

grilled honey mustard chicken

The broccoli is simple as can be.

Olive oil, salt, pepper, maybe some garlic powder if you love it. The best part about the broccoli is that it gets so charred and golden and delish. SO good. We love it just as much as roasted broccoli, but this also has the smoky flavor from the grill which you just can’t beat. There is no real “recipe” here for the broccoli – when it comes to vegetables on the grill, I grill them until they are dark and golden and charred. You pull it off when it’s done to your liking. (more…)

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UKRAINIAN CHICKEN CUTLETS

Comfortable dish that has been prepared in almost every Ukrainian home since childhood.

This is a cozy homemade Eastern European dish that has been prepared in almost every Ukrainian home since childhood. The cutlets (or patties) differ from the usual burger patty in that they are a little softer, they are fully cooked, and even a little stewed. Onions and a little bit of bread are added.

Bread is needed to make the texture airy and soft. Some people add eggs. But that makes the ground meat liquidy and the texture stronger. The patties hold their shape perfectly without eggs, don’t worry. Patties can be made from white fish or ground beef or pork.

This is a comforting dish usually served with mashed potatoes. But many people like it with pasta or plain boiled rice. They are served with seasonal vegetables, depending on the time of year: with pickles or a salad of boiled beets in winter, or with fresh vegetables in summer. I eat these patties when I’m not feeling very well. It’s a common habit.

You can make the cutlets from chicken breast. I like to use chicken thighs. That way they get super juicy.


Ukrainian Chicken Cutlets

Recipe

PREP TIME COOK TIME MAKES
15 minutes 25 minutes 2 servings

INGREDIENTS (serves 2)

  • 350 g (12½ oz) of chicken thigh meat, without bones and skin (or use ground chicken)
  • 1 small onion (40 g, 1½ oz)
  • 1 slice of white bread (35 g, 1 oz white bread crumbs)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 50 ml cream or milk
  • 50 ml water
  • ½ tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Pour the cream and water over the bread and let stand for 5 minutes. Squeeze the moisture out completely. Dice the onion.
  2. Prepare ground chicken meat. Cut the thighs into medium sized pieces (to make it easier for the processor), put the chicken meat in the bowl a of the processor, add the bread, onion, salt, and pepper. Grind it up. Leave some texture, don’t grind it too finely. You can use a meat grinder or just finely dice the chicken with a sharp knife.
  3. With wet hands, form 7 patties. Each one should be about 80 grams (~3 oz). You can make the patties smaller or larger, as you prefer. When you form a patty, toss it from palm to palm, as if pounding it.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet. Reduce the heat to medium. Place the patties in the skillet and cover. Fry for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and flip over. Reduce the heat and add the butter. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes.
  5. Turn the patties over again and add 3 tbsp of water. Cover and braise for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and allow the liquid to reduce. The water should boil off almost completely, forming a glaze with the butter and meat juices. Cook for another 5 minutes on each side to allow the glaze to coat the patties.

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What to Cook This Week?

Dill Pickle Chicken Salad.

We adore this dill pickle chicken salad. It’s wonderful to make ahead of time and an excellent lunch for the warmer months. Serve with toast or crackers, on sandwiches, in lettuce cups, wraps or on salad! Lunch is on me today!! I’m still on a mission to bring us lots of delicious lunch ideas this […]

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We adore this dill pickle chicken salad. It’s wonderful to make ahead of time and an excellent lunch for the warmer months. Serve with toast or crackers, on sandwiches, in lettuce cups, wraps or on salad!

Lunch is on me today!!

dill pickle chicken salad on a croissant

I’m still on a mission to bring us lots of delicious lunch ideas this year, and right here I’ve got a new favorite! This dill pickle chicken salad is modeled after my summer chicken salad and lemon almond roast chicken salad, but loaded with all the flavor of dill pickles. 

It’s chunky and satisfying with the perfect base of pickle-y yogurt and mayo. 

And it’s classic enough to enjoy in just about any way! Ideal for make-ahead meals as well as summer lunch plates.

plain greek yogurt and sweet relish

I like to do croissants. Or sandwiches. Open-faced on toast, with crackers, in lettuce cups or even on salad. Also scooped up with chips because that is one of the best things ever.

I’m instantly transported to when I was a kid and used to dip my potato chips in the pickle juice that remained on my plate at a summer BBQ. 

Seriously it does not get any better than that. 

dill pickle chicken salad ingredients

One of my longest love affairs is with the dill pickle!

I have loved pickles for as long as I can remember. My mom still talks about how I loved olives and pickles as a baby and that’s never left. I used to eat pickles as a snack after school and I put them on just about anything. Nothing has changed. 

dill pickle chicken salad

Chicken salad is a different story. It’s always been just “meh” for me, except for my mom’s. And only when she would make it without celery. I swear I am not picky – ha! 

But I’ve rambled before about how traditional deli salads are usually too wet and mayo-based for me, so I’ve taken to making my own at home that I feel has the perfect ratio of everything! This is one of those.

dill pickle chicken salad on a croissant

The key to making this extra delicious is to use dill pickle and sweet relish. A mix of both. You could use a mix of both chopped pickles too! I find that makes it extra special. 

To make it, I combine some shredded chicken, diced red onion and chopped pickles in a bowl.

Then I whisk together some plain greek yogurt, a little mayo, the sweet relish, mustard, some fresh and dried herbs and lots of salt and pepper.

Then I combine them! I mix until there is an excellent little chicken salad happening in this bowl and then I go.to.town.

OH YES.

(more…)

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Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw.

These sticky BBQ chicken meatballs are so juicy and flavorful! Paired with crisp, refreshing broccoli slaw, this is an excellent weeknight meal that comes together fast. I’ve got a go-to summer dinner for you today! Sticky chicken meatballs in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, served with crispy, crunchy broccoli slaw. This.is.it. It’s been a […]

The post Sticky BBQ Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Slaw. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

These sticky BBQ chicken meatballs are so juicy and flavorful! Paired with crisp, refreshing broccoli slaw, this is an excellent weeknight meal that comes together fast.

I’ve got a go-to summer dinner for you today!

sticky BBQ chicken meatballs with broccoli slaw

Sticky chicken meatballs in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, served with crispy, crunchy broccoli slaw. This.is.it.

It’s been a meatball kind of year over here! These ranch chicken meatballs I shared a few weeks ago are quickly becoming one of the most popular chicken recipes on the blog. They are so, so delicious!

The good news is that when I made those, I also tested a few different meatball recipes out. So I have even MORE to share with you.

sticky BBQ chicken meatballs in a pan

This is hilarious because growing up, I didn’t even like meatballs. Well, I think I liked the ones that were made in a crockpot with jelly or something. But that was it!

These days, we all love meatballs. All kinds, any variation. Meatballs are also one of Jordan’s favorite foods!! They are something easy that I can prep for him. And while I don’t always do a fancy meatball, they are the best!

broccoli slaw in the making

Enter these sticky BBQ chicken meatballs.

Oh my gosh – this is SUCH a good meal. I make the meatballs and brown them in the skillet. Then I transfer them to a plate and make the sticky sauce. Some BBQ sauce, honey and water is all it takes. Let that bubble a bit, add the meatballs back in and check the internal temp before serving. You want them to be 165 degrees F inside before eating. 

These are so super delicious. Like, cannot get enough. You can serve them so many different wants – on sandwiches, in lettuce cups, even on SALAD! (Remember my meatball salad in The Pretty Dish?!) 

sticky BBQ chicken meatballs

Here’s how I like to serve them: with broccoli slaw. 

Oh yes.

sticky BBQ chicken meatballs with broccoli slaw

This is creamy, crunchy and refreshing with just a hint of sweetness. Now to make the broccoli slaw, I just buy it packaged. For years I had to make my own slaw – actually slice and shave everything! But these days, broccoli slaw is much more accessible and you should be able to find it in your local grocery story. 

I keep it pretty simple here because I don’t want to outside the meatballs. It consists of plain greek yogurt, a touch of mayo, some apple cider vinegar and honey.

This dressing mixture is delightful. Of course, you can add in nuts or dried fruit if you’d like to bulk it up. Ia a few weeks, I’ll be sharing another incredible broccoli slaw side dish for your summer gatherings.

sticky BBQ chicken meatballs with broccoli slaw

We LOVE these so much. They are so sweet and sweet, plus crunchy and crisp – the texture and flavor pairing is so complementary and wonderful. I love serving this with rice for some extra bulk in the meal – plus it just makes it all super fantastic. You gotta try them! (more…)

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Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad with Avocado.

This grilled chicken orzo salad is a delicious lunch or dinner. Orzo is dressed in cilantro lime vinaigrette and tossed with grilled chicken, avocado, scallions and fresh herbs. Leftovers are fabulous too! A bowl this beautifully green has me happy on a Monday morning! This is going to become one of your new favorites. A […]

The post Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad with Avocado. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

This grilled chicken orzo salad is a delicious lunch or dinner. Orzo is dressed in cilantro lime vinaigrette and tossed with grilled chicken, avocado, scallions and fresh herbs. Leftovers are fabulous too!

A bowl this beautifully green has me happy on a Monday morning!

grilled chicken avocado orzo salad

This is going to become one of your new favorites. A great lunch option, a delicious dinner, this could even be a side dish for a get-together. I like to serve this grilled chicken orzo salad cold or chilled, with lots of avocado chunks and fresh herbs.

orzo with cilantro lime dressing

This recipe was born out of my adoration for keeping delicious vinaigrettes in my fridge at all times. And my love for grain bowls! You know this is a main focus of my book Everyday Dinners – make fridge staples throughout the week to keep in the fridge. Dressings and sauces that elevate dishes, things like bowls and salads, and keep variety in our meal plans.

It’s a key to eating well throughout the week.

grilled chicken

The orzo tossed in the cilantro lime dressing is just incredible. I could practically eat that on its own. So super delicious and flavorful.

grilled chicken avocado orzo salad ingredients

So I like to toss the orzo in the dressing then add everything else on top.

This is amazing served warm or cold, leftovers are great and it gets even more delish as it sits! 

orzo with avocado and scallions

Here’s the run down!

We start with my cilantro lime vinaigrette. This is one of my favorite dressings of all time! Not only is it a beautiful vibrant green color, but it’s incredibly delicious. It holds up well in the fridge. This is the dressing that I use on our favorite tortellini salad and it can’t be beat. 

When it comes to the base of the bowl, I love to use orzo. You could use quinoa, couscous, bulgur, rice – whatever your favorite is for a cold salad bowl. Now of course – you can serve this warm. But I really love to serve it chilled or even at room temp. It’s a fabulous meal to prep ahead of time for lunch or quick dinners.

orzo with grilled chicken, avocado and scallions

I grill chicken with a few of my go-to spices. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper obviously. The smoky flavor from the grill adds so much here so that is key for me. It makes it taste so much better – gives it a hint of summery flavor too. You can always use a rotisserie chicken in a pinch. 

Lots of green! I like to use avocado, cilantro and a bunch of fresh sliced scallions. If you’re preparing this a day or two ahead of time for work lunches, leave the avocado out until serving. Everything else can go into the bowl and gets tossed with the amazing vinaigrette! (more…)

The post Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad with Avocado. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Ranch Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Couscous.

We love these ranch chicken meatballs! Juicy chicken meatballs drizzled with ranch dressing and served with broccoli couscous for a delicious weeknight meal. Hello! Dinner is going to be delicious tonight! Cue all the exclamation points because these chicken meatballs are juicy and flavorful! They’re served with couscous loaded with broccoli and everything is drizzled […]

The post Ranch Chicken Meatballs with Broccoli Couscous. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

We love these ranch chicken meatballs! Juicy chicken meatballs drizzled with ranch dressing and served with broccoli couscous for a delicious weeknight meal.

Hello! Dinner is going to be delicious tonight!

ranch chicken meatballs with broccoli couscous

Cue all the exclamation points because these chicken meatballs are juicy and flavorful! They’re served with couscous loaded with broccoli and everything is drizzled in a bit of my homemade ranch. I can’t get enough of this meal. Wish I was eating it right this moment! 

ranch meatballs in a skillet

This is how I love to eat meatballs. YES.

I’ve never been a huge spaghetti and meatballs person. But give me an interesting meatball and serve it on toast or with a grain and maybe drizzled in a pesto or sauce or dressing and I AM HERE!

It’s the best satisfying meal and one that always feels really special. It’s different than our usual meals and tends to be a welcomed change.

broccoli couscous

Let’s start with the ranch chicken meatballs!

To make these meatballs, I use a few things that bring out a “ranch” flavor. Dried dill and dried chives, some garlic and onion powder, just to name a few. I like to add in some finely grated cheddar cheese too, for extra oomph and flavor. 

Along with an egg, a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and salt and pepper – these come together so easily. I brown them in a skillet and like to keep a meat thermometer nearby to make sure they are cooked to perfection. Since these don’t have a sauce and chicken meatballs can end up with a dry texture, this is ideal.

ranch chicken meatballs with broccoli couscous

Now I do like to use a drizzle of my homemade ranch on the meatballs. Which isn’t technically a sauce, but more of a dressing drizzle. If you stop here with the meatballs, you can serve them on a sandwich or even chop them up and eat them over salad. I have a meatball salad in The Pretty Dish and it’s one of the best meals ever.

ranch chicken meatballs with broccoli couscous

Time to talk about the side dish!

I love sharing meals that come with a main and a side for easy serving. It’s what I’m often looking for if I search out a new recipe too! Plus, you know I’m also always looking for the perfect side dish

This broccoli couscous is so good. Yes, I’m still having my moment with couscous!! It’s my current favorite tiny grain/pasta for bowls as well as cold and warm salads.

ranch chicken meatballs with broccoli couscous

For this broccoli couscous, we’re cooking it all in one pot. Oh yes. It’s that easy! I like to chop the broccoli into tiny florets. This ensures that it cooks quickly with the couscous. And let’s be honest – if it’s in smaller pieces, my kids are more likely to eat it. Broccoli is the #1 veg in our house at the moment, but when I serve it in a new way, I try to make it as easy to consume as possible. 

This side dish is just super simple and delicious. Nothing fancy! (more…)

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Lemon Chicken Artichoke Pasta Salad.

This lemon chicken pasta salad is the perfect spring and summer dish. Artichokes, pine nuts and parmesan make this delicious! Prepare it ahead of time and everyone loves it. Oh how I live for a good pasta salad. Did you know I really didn’t care for pasta salad at all until a few years ago? […]

The post Lemon Chicken Artichoke Pasta Salad. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

This lemon chicken pasta salad is the perfect spring and summer dish. Artichokes, pine nuts and parmesan make this delicious! Prepare it ahead of time and everyone loves it.

Oh how I live for a good pasta salad.

lemon chicken artichoke pasta salad

Did you know I really didn’t care for pasta salad at all until a few years ago? I do not love the traditional italian style pasta salad. But I do love heartier pasta salads with a homemade vinaigrette and lots of my favorite add-ins. Which just so happens to not be salami.

Grilled chicken, artichokes, parmesan, lemon vinaigrette and lots of herbs. DELISH.

lemon chicken artichoke pasta salad ingredients

This pasta salad is going to be your new BFF for 2022. If you need a dish to take to a friend’s house, a potluck, make for a BBQ or have as a delish side at home with dinner, this is it. It’s filling and flavorful and superb!

Everyone loves it too, so there is that. 

chopped grilled chicken

This is what you need for the lemon chicken pasta salad:

  • Your favorite cut of pasta. You know how much I love this trottole! I used to find it at Target, but now I get it on amazon. 
  • Grilled chicken or even a rotisserie chicken. Leftover chicken works too. Shredded or chopped. 
  • A can of artichoke hearts, of course.
  • Pine nuts! All toasty and golden and fragrant. 
  • Parmesan cheese. In what is one of the ONLY times I will ever recommend bagged cheese, I actually prefer a store-bought parmesan that has larger shreds that I make at home. I find that it holds up really well in the pasta salad, especially overnight or in leftovers.
  • Fresh herbs! I’m always partial to basil and parsley when it comes to a dish like this.
  • Lemon vinaigrette. One of my go-to dressings. It’s easy and works with a lot of different dishes. It’s mild but has a hint of spring flavor that can’t be beat. 

lemon chicken artichoke pasta salad

Oh and yes… I realize I’m heavily on the lemon + herb + artichoke train right now. And pasta train! But this combo is just incredibly delicious come spring. It’s the first flavor mash up I think of when the weather starts warming up and I love that it can be taken all through summer too! 

pouring dressing on lemon chicken artichoke pasta salad

Guess what? This recipe is another one from the Nordstrom e-bar. I KNOW. I have a few of those and they are some of my favorites. I’ve done the tortellini salad and then their cauliflower and hummus from the cafe

Back in the fall, I saw a container of this lemon artichoke chicken pasta in the e-bar. I grabbed it because the combo sounded delicious. It ended up being good, but I knew I could make it even better. I had many many months of testing this recipe considering I first created it half a year ago. It was difficult to wait to share this because I want you all to enjoy it.

lemon chicken artichoke pasta salad

Every year I tend to create a recipe that we end up taking EVERYWHERE. It becomes the hit of the summer.

Right now, that is this recipe! It’s so incredibly versatile. I love that you can make the entire thing ahead of time. You can even dress it ahead of time. It gets better as it sits, actually. (more…)

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